WO1991011981A1 - Teeth cleaning toothbrush and system - Google Patents
Teeth cleaning toothbrush and system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1991011981A1 WO1991011981A1 PCT/US1990/000770 US9000770W WO9111981A1 WO 1991011981 A1 WO1991011981 A1 WO 1991011981A1 US 9000770 W US9000770 W US 9000770W WO 9111981 A1 WO9111981 A1 WO 9111981A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- bristles
- air
- multiplicity
- pathways
- orifice
- Prior art date
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C17/00—Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
- A61C17/02—Rinsing or air-blowing devices, e.g. using fluid jets or comprising liquid medication
- A61C17/0202—Hand-pieces
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B11/00—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water
- A46B11/06—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water connected to supply pipe or to other external supply means
- A46B11/063—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water connected to supply pipe or to other external supply means by means of a supply pipe
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
- A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
- A46B2200/1066—Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures
Definitions
- Borden U.S. 3,823,710 discloses a toothbrush having an outlet orifice situated distal to the bristle cluster on the toothbrush head, for delivery of pulsed air.
- the orifice consists of a pair of concentric seals having sufficient resiliency to effectively seal against the tooth or gums. Scrubbing action is effected when a space between the teeth is uncovered and a major pulse or puff of air is released. "[Bjubbling and release of the gases from beneath the double seals of the tip element, do a highly efficient job in dislodging and removing the plaque so that a minimum amount effort and time is then required by the user" (col. 4, lines 56-60) .
- a system for the removal cf plaque and other unwanted debris from the teeth of a user comprises a toothbrush comprising a handle, a distal head, and a multiplicity of bristles.
- Each bristle has a shaft with a base associated with a surface of the head. The shaft extends away from the surface and terminates in a proximal end disposed in relation to proximal ends of other shafts for mutual engagement with teeth surfaces of a user.
- the multiplicity of bristles defines a multiplicity of interconnected restricted flow pathways therebetween.
- the surface of the head defines an orifice surrounded by the bases of the bristles. A conduit having a distal end terminates in the orifice.
- the bristles in combination with the surface of the head and the teeth surfaces, forms an enclosed volume.
- a source of low pressure air associated with the proximal end of the conduit supplies a flow of low pressure air through the conduit and the orifice into the enclosed volume.
- Means are provided for dispersing liquid in the multiplicity of interconnected restricted flow passageways between the bristles to form a moist environment within the closed volume.
- the flow of air delivered from the orifice combines with the liquid dispersed in the pathways between the bristles in a manner to form a multiplicity of small, air- containing bubbles within the pathways.
- the air-containing bubbles are directed along the pathways and driven to burst with impulsive force against the engaged teeth surfaces in a manner to remove plaque and other debris from the teeth surfaces.
- the multiplicity of bristles are arranged on the head surface in a multiplicity of rows; and the means for dispersing liquid in the pathways comprises means for adding liquid to the flow of air from the low pressure source, the air and liquid passing through the conduit to the orifice and into the enclosed volume, preferably the source comprises a low pressure air pump, and a tube connecting the pump to the proximal end of the conduit, and the means for adding liquid comprises a sealed chamber containing the liquid and connected to the tube.
- a toothbrush for use with a system for the removal of plaque and other unwanted debris from the teeth of a user the system including a low pressure source of air, comprises a handle, a distal head, and a multiplicity of bristles, each comprising a shaft having a base associated with a surface of the head, the shaft extending away from the surface and having a proximal end disposed in relation to proximal ends of other shafts for mutual engagement with teeth surfaces of a user, the multiplicity of bristles defining a multiplicity of interconnected restricted flow pathways therebetween.
- the multiplicity of bristles are further adapted to receive a dispersion of liquid in the multiplicity of interconnected restricted flow pathways between the bristles to form a moist environment within the closed volume.
- the head surface defines an orifice surrounded by the bases of the bristles, and means define a conduit having a distal end terminating in the orifice.
- the bristles in combination with the surface of the head and the tooth surfaces, form an enclosed volume.
- a source of low pressure air associated with the proximal end of the conduit supplies a flow of low pressure air through the conduit and the orifice into the enclosed volume.
- the conduit is arranged to receive a flow of air from the source at a proximal end of the conduit and to carry the air to the orifice, the orifice being arranged to direct the flow of air into the moist environment of the enclosed volume.
- the pathways within the enclosed volume are arranged to combine the flow of air with the liquid dispersed in the pathways between the bristles so as to form a multiplicity of small, air-containing bubbles, the pathways being further arranged to direct the air-containing bubbles along the pathways in the direction of the teeth surfaces.
- the air-containing bubbles are driven to burst with impulsive force against the engaged teeth surfaces in a manner to remove plaque and other debris from the teeth surfaces.
- the multiplicity of bristles are arranged on the surface of the head in a multiplicity of rows; and the conduit is arranged to receive and carry a combination of air and liquid, and the orifice is arranged to direct the combination into the enclosed volume so as to disperse the liquid in the pathways between the bristles.
- a system for the removal of plaque and other unwanted debris from the teeth of a user comprises a toothbrush comprising a handle, a distal head, and a multiplicity of bristles each comprising a shaft having a base associated with a surface of the head, the shaft extending away from the surface and having a proximal end disposed in relation to proximal, ends of other shafts form mutual engagement with teeth surfaces of a user, the multiplicity of bristles defining a multiplicity of interconnected restricted flow pathways therebetween.
- the surface of the head defines an orifice surrounded by the bases of the bristles.
- a conduit has a distal end terminating in the orifice.
- the bristles in combination with the surface of the head and the tooth surfaces, form an enclosed volume containing the orifice and the multiplicity of bristles.
- a source of low pressure air associated with the proximal end of the conduit supplies a flow of low pressure air through the conduit and the orifice into the enclosed volume, the source comprising a low pressure source of air, and a tube connecting the source to the proximal end of the conduit, and a sealed chamber containing the liquid and connected to the tube.
- Liquid is dispersed in the multiplicity of interconnected restricted flow passageways between the bristles to form a moist environment within the closed volume.
- a flow of air is delivered from the orifice to combine with the liquid dispersed in the pathways between the bristles in a manner to form a multiplicity of small, air-containing bubbles within the pathways.
- the air-containing bubbles are directed along the pathways and driven to burst with impulsive force against the engaged teeth surfaces in a manner to remove plaque and other debris from the teeth surfaces.
- a flow of air is delivered to the surfaces of the teeth to aid in the removal of plaque and other debris.
- the air may be combined with liquid to enhance the cleaning effect, for example via bubbles forming in the liquid and bursting with impulsive against the teeth.
- Fig. 1 is a side view of the system of the invention, including a toothbrush, connected to a low pressure source of air and liquid;
- Fig. 2 is a plan view of the toothbrush of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 i s a plan view of another embodiment of a toothbrush of the present invention; and Fig. 4 is a side section view of still another embodiment of toothbrush of the present invention.
- a teeth cleaning system 10 of the invention includes a toothbrush 12 connected via a tube 14 to a liquid reservoir 16 and a low pressure air pump which together define a conduit 24 connected at the proximal end of handle 20 to tube 14 and terminating at an orifice 26 defined in a surface 28 of head 22.
- a multiplicity of bristles 34 Disposed on head surface 28 are a multiplicity of bristles 34 divided into bristle groups 32 each containing a multiplicity of bristles.
- bristle groups 32 are arranged in four rows 30 each containing seven groups and one row 31 containing four groups.
- Each bristle 34 includes a shaft 36 attached at its distal end to head surface 28 and having a proximal end 38 disposed in relation to proximal ends of other shafts so as to mutually engage a tooth surface 40.
- a multiplicity of interconnected restricted flow pathways 48 are defined between bristles 34 and extending from surface 28 to tooth surface 40. Bristles 34 surround orifice 26 and, together with head surface 28 and tooth surface 40, form an enclosed volume 41.
- Tube 14 is made of flexible plastic tubing and is connected to one arm of a T-fitting 42. Another arm of the T-fitting is connected to an opening 43 in the top 45 of liquid reservoir 16.
- Reservoir 16 contains a liquid 44 (e.g.
- T-fitting 42 is connected, via a tube 46, to air pump 18 (e.g. a typical aquarium pump) capable of providing an air flow of 50 cfh (cubic feet per hour) .
- air pump 18 e.g. a typical aquarium pump
- a user of teeth cleaning system 10 turns on pump 18 causing air to flow at low pressure, e.g., 50 cfh, through tube 46 and T-fitting 42 into air gap 47 in reservoir 16 and through tube 14, conduit 24, and orifice 26 into the enclosed volume 41.
- low pressure e.g. 50 cfh
- toothbrush 12 can be manufactured according to a variety of methods.
- a conventional toothbrush having five rows each containing seven bristle groups is modified to form toothbrush 26.
- the three central bristles from the center row are removed.
- a hole is drilled from the proximal end of handle 20 to form conduit 24.
- Another hole is drilled in surface 28 to form orifice 26 at the distal end of conduit 24.
- Tube 14 may be fitted inside conduit 24 or connected to a fitting extending from the conduit.
- toothbrush 26 can be injection molded with conduit 24 and orifice 26 preformed.
- head 122 of toothbrush 112 may be round, with bristle groups 132 arranged in a circle surrounding orifice 126.
- tube 214 may extend along an outer surface of handle 220, terminating at orifice 226 defined in head 222.
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Dentistry (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Brushes (AREA)
Abstract
A system (10) for removing plaque and other unwanted debris from teeth includes a toothbrush (12) having a handle (20), a head (22) and a multiplicity of bristles (34). Each bristel includes a shaft (36) associated with a surface (28) of the head, the bristel shafts extending away from the surface to terminate in proximal ends (38) disposed for engagement with teeth surfaces (40). The bristles define a multiplicity of interconnected restricted flow pathways (48), and a conduit (24) connected to a source (18) of low pressure air terminates at an orifice (26) surrounded by the bristel bases on the head surface. The bristles, with the head surface and teeth surfaces, form an enclosed volume (41), and a flow of air into the enclosed volume combines with liquid (44) dispersed in pathways between bristles to form a multiplicity of small, air-containing bubbles within the pathways. The bubbles are directed along the pathways to burst with impulsive force against engaged teeth surfaces in a manner to remove plaque and other debris from the teeth surfaces.
Description
TEETH CLEANING TOOTHBRUSH AND SYSTEM Background of the Invention This invention relates to systems for cleaning the teeth. Borden U.S. 3,823,710 discloses a toothbrush having an outlet orifice situated distal to the bristle cluster on the toothbrush head, for delivery of pulsed air. The orifice consists of a pair of concentric seals having sufficient resiliency to effectively seal against the tooth or gums. Scrubbing action is effected when a space between the teeth is uncovered and a major pulse or puff of air is released. "[Bjubbling and release of the gases from beneath the double seals of the tip element, do a highly efficient job in dislodging and removing the plaque so that a minimum amount effort and time is then required by the user" (col. 4, lines 56-60) .
Summary of the Invention According to one aspect of the invention, a system for the removal cf plaque and other unwanted debris from the teeth of a user comprises a toothbrush comprising a handle, a distal head, and a multiplicity of bristles. Each bristle has a shaft with a base associated with a surface of the head. The shaft extends away from the surface and terminates in a proximal end disposed in relation to proximal ends of other shafts for mutual engagement with teeth surfaces of a user. The multiplicity of bristles defines a multiplicity of interconnected restricted flow pathways therebetween. The surface of the head defines an orifice surrounded by the bases of the bristles. A conduit having a distal end terminates in the orifice. The bristles, in combination with the surface of the head and the teeth surfaces, forms an enclosed volume. A source of low pressure air associated with the proximal end of the
conduit supplies a flow of low pressure air through the conduit and the orifice into the enclosed volume. Means are provided for dispersing liquid in the multiplicity of interconnected restricted flow passageways between the bristles to form a moist environment within the closed volume. The flow of air delivered from the orifice combines with the liquid dispersed in the pathways between the bristles in a manner to form a multiplicity of small, air- containing bubbles within the pathways. The air-containing bubbles are directed along the pathways and driven to burst with impulsive force against the engaged teeth surfaces in a manner to remove plaque and other debris from the teeth surfaces.
In preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention, the multiplicity of bristles are arranged on the head surface in a multiplicity of rows; and the means for dispersing liquid in the pathways comprises means for adding liquid to the flow of air from the low pressure source, the air and liquid passing through the conduit to the orifice and into the enclosed volume, preferably the source comprises a low pressure air pump, and a tube connecting the pump to the proximal end of the conduit, and the means for adding liquid comprises a sealed chamber containing the liquid and connected to the tube. According to another aspect of the invention, a toothbrush for use with a system for the removal of plaque and other unwanted debris from the teeth of a user, the system including a low pressure source of air, comprises a handle, a distal head, and a multiplicity of bristles, each comprising a shaft having a base associated with a surface of the head, the shaft extending away from the surface and having a proximal end disposed in relation to proximal ends of other shafts for mutual engagement with teeth surfaces of
a user, the multiplicity of bristles defining a multiplicity of interconnected restricted flow pathways therebetween. The multiplicity of bristles are further adapted to receive a dispersion of liquid in the multiplicity of interconnected restricted flow pathways between the bristles to form a moist environment within the closed volume. The head surface defines an orifice surrounded by the bases of the bristles, and means define a conduit having a distal end terminating in the orifice. The bristles, in combination with the surface of the head and the tooth surfaces, form an enclosed volume. A source of low pressure air associated with the proximal end of the conduit supplies a flow of low pressure air through the conduit and the orifice into the enclosed volume. The conduit is arranged to receive a flow of air from the source at a proximal end of the conduit and to carry the air to the orifice, the orifice being arranged to direct the flow of air into the moist environment of the enclosed volume. The pathways within the enclosed volume are arranged to combine the flow of air with the liquid dispersed in the pathways between the bristles so as to form a multiplicity of small, air-containing bubbles, the pathways being further arranged to direct the air-containing bubbles along the pathways in the direction of the teeth surfaces. The air-containing bubbles are driven to burst with impulsive force against the engaged teeth surfaces in a manner to remove plaque and other debris from the teeth surfaces.
In preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention, the multiplicity of bristles are arranged on the surface of the head in a multiplicity of rows; and the conduit is arranged to receive and carry a combination of air and liquid, and the orifice is arranged to direct the
combination into the enclosed volume so as to disperse the liquid in the pathways between the bristles.
According to another aspect of the invention, a system for the removal of plaque and other unwanted debris from the teeth of a user comprises a toothbrush comprising a handle, a distal head, and a multiplicity of bristles each comprising a shaft having a base associated with a surface of the head, the shaft extending away from the surface and having a proximal end disposed in relation to proximal, ends of other shafts form mutual engagement with teeth surfaces of a user, the multiplicity of bristles defining a multiplicity of interconnected restricted flow pathways therebetween. The surface of the head defines an orifice surrounded by the bases of the bristles. A conduit has a distal end terminating in the orifice. The bristles, in combination with the surface of the head and the tooth surfaces, form an enclosed volume containing the orifice and the multiplicity of bristles. A source of low pressure air associated with the proximal end of the conduit supplies a flow of low pressure air through the conduit and the orifice into the enclosed volume, the source comprising a low pressure source of air, and a tube connecting the source to the proximal end of the conduit, and a sealed chamber containing the liquid and connected to the tube. Liquid is dispersed in the multiplicity of interconnected restricted flow passageways between the bristles to form a moist environment within the closed volume. A flow of air is delivered from the orifice to combine with the liquid dispersed in the pathways between the bristles in a manner to form a multiplicity of small, air-containing bubbles within the pathways. The air-containing bubbles are directed along the pathways and driven to burst with impulsive force against the engaged teeth surfaces in a
manner to remove plaque and other debris from the teeth surfaces.
Thus there is provided a system in which a flow of air is delivered to the surfaces of the teeth to aid in the removal of plaque and other debris. The air may be combined with liquid to enhance the cleaning effect, for example via bubbles forming in the liquid and bursting with impulsive against the teeth.
These and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of a presently preferred embodiment, and from the claims. Description of a Presently Preferred Embodiment We first briefly describe the drawings. Fig. 1 is a side view of the system of the invention, including a toothbrush, connected to a low pressure source of air and liquid;
Fig. 2 is a plan view of the toothbrush of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 i s a plan view of another embodiment of a toothbrush of the present invention; and Fig. 4 is a side section view of still another embodiment of toothbrush of the present invention.
Referring to Figs, l and 2, a teeth cleaning system 10 of the invention includes a toothbrush 12 connected via a tube 14 to a liquid reservoir 16 and a low pressure air pump which together define a conduit 24 connected at the proximal end of handle 20 to tube 14 and terminating at an orifice 26 defined in a surface 28 of head 22. Disposed on head surface 28 are a multiplicity of bristles 34 divided into bristle groups 32 each containing a multiplicity of bristles. In the embodiment shown by way of example only, bristle groups 32 are arranged in four rows 30 each containing seven groups and one row 31 containing four
groups. Each bristle 34 includes a shaft 36 attached at its distal end to head surface 28 and having a proximal end 38 disposed in relation to proximal ends of other shafts so as to mutually engage a tooth surface 40. Defined between bristles 34 and extending from surface 28 to tooth surface 40 are a multiplicity of interconnected restricted flow pathways 48. Bristles 34 surround orifice 26 and, together with head surface 28 and tooth surface 40, form an enclosed volume 41. Tube 14 is made of flexible plastic tubing and is connected to one arm of a T-fitting 42. Another arm of the T-fitting is connected to an opening 43 in the top 45 of liquid reservoir 16. Reservoir 16 contains a liquid 44 (e.g. water or a dentifrice) and an air gap 47 situated between the surface of liquid 44 and opening 43 in the top 45 of reservoir 16. The other arm of T-fitting 42 is connected, via a tube 46, to air pump 18 (e.g. a typical aquarium pump) capable of providing an air flow of 50 cfh (cubic feet per hour) .
In operation, a user of teeth cleaning system 10 turns on pump 18 causing air to flow at low pressure, e.g., 50 cfh, through tube 46 and T-fitting 42 into air gap 47 in reservoir 16 and through tube 14, conduit 24, and orifice 26 into the enclosed volume 41. To cause liquid to be carried from reservoir 16 to the bristles of the toothbrush, the
User pinches tube 14 at a point 50, resulting in a pressure buildup in air gap 47. Upon releasing the tube, a small amount of liquid will be drawn up through T-fitting 42 and carried by the air flow into enclosed volume 41. Once within enclosed volume 41, liquid 44 disperses into the pathways between bristles 34.
As the user applies the bristles of the toothbrush to teeth surfaces 40, air flowing from the orifice into the bristles combines with the liquid dispersed in the pathways to form a multiplicity of small, air-containing bubbles. The air flow drives the air-containing bubbles along pathways 48 in the direction of the tooth surface 40. The shafts of the bristles 34 flare outward from the base, and the widening of pathways 48 causes the bubbles to flow generally toward teeth surfaces 40. The bubbles driven against teeth surfaces 40 burst with impulsive force thereby to cause plaque and other debris to be loosened and eventually removed from the tooth surface.
Referring again to Fig. 1, toothbrush 12 can be manufactured according to a variety of methods. In one method, a conventional toothbrush having five rows each containing seven bristle groups is modified to form toothbrush 26. The three central bristles from the center row are removed. A hole is drilled from the proximal end of handle 20 to form conduit 24. Another hole is drilled in surface 28 to form orifice 26 at the distal end of conduit 24. Tube 14 may be fitted inside conduit 24 or connected to a fitting extending from the conduit.
Alternatively, toothbrush 26 can be injection molded with conduit 24 and orifice 26 preformed.
Other embodiments are within the following claims.
For example, referring to Fig. 3, head 122 of toothbrush 112 may be round, with bristle groups 132 arranged in a circle surrounding orifice 126. Referring to Fig. 4, in another embodiment, tube 214 may extend along an outer surface of handle 220, terminating at orifice 226 defined in head 222. What is claimed is:
Claims
1. A system for the removal of plaque and other unwanted debris from the teeth of a user comprising a toothbrush comprising a handle, a distal head, and a multiplicity of bristles each comprising a shaft having a base associated with a surface of said head, said shaft extending away from said surface and terminating in a proximal end disposed in relation to proximal ends of other said shafts for mutual engagement with teeth surfaces of a user, said multiplicity of bristles defining a multiplicity of interconnected restricted flow pathways therebetween, said surface of said head defining an orifice surrounded by the bases of said bristles, means defining a conduit having a distal end terminating in said orifice, said bristles in combination with said surface of said head and said teeth surfaces, forming an enclosed volume, a source of low pressure air associated with the proximal end of said conduit for supplying a flow of low pressure air through said conduit and said orifice into said enclosed volume, means for dispersing liquid in said multiplicity of interconnected restricted flow passageways between said .bristles to form a moist environment within said closed volume, means for delivering said flow of air from said orifice to combine with the liquid dispersed in said pathways between said bristles in a manner to form a multiplicity of small, air-containing bubbles within said pathways, and means for directing said air-containing bubbles along said pathways and means for driving said air- containing bubbles to burst with impulsive force against the engaged teeth surfaces in a manner to remove plaque and other debris from said teeth surfaces.
2. The system of claim 1,, wherein said multiplicity of bristles are arranged on said head surface in a multiplicity of rows.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein said means for dispersing liquid in said pathways comprises means for adding liquid to the flow of air from said low pressure source, said air and liquid passing through said conduit to said orifice and into said enclosed volume.
4. The system of claim 3 wherein said source comprises a low pressure air pump, and a tube connecting said pump to said proximal end of said conduit, and said means for adding liquid comprises a sealed chamber containing the liquid and connected to said tube.
5. A toothbrush for use with a system for the removal of plaque and other unwanted debris from the teeth of a user, said system including a low pressure source of air, said toothbrush comprising a handle, a distal head, and a multiplicity of bristles each comprising a shaft having a base associated with a surface of said head, said shaft extending away from said surface and having a proximal end disposed in relation to proximal ends of other said shafts for mutual engagement with teeth surfaces of a user, said multiplicity of bristles defining a multiplicity of interconnected restricted flow pathways therebetween, said multiplicity of bristles further adapted to receive a dispersion of liquid in said multiplicity of interconnected restricted flow pathways between said bristles to form a moist environment within said closed. volume, said head surface defining an orifice surrounded by the bases of said bristles, and means defining a conduit having a distal end terminating in said orifice, said bristles, in combination with said surface of said head and said tooth surfaces, forming an enclosed volume, a source of low pressure air associated with the proximal end of said conduit for supplying a flow of low pressure air through said conduit and said orifice into said enclosed volume, said conduit being arranged to receive a flow of air from said source at a proximal end of said conduit and to carry said air to said orifice, said orifice being arranged to direct said flow of air into the moist environment of said enclosed volume, said pathways within said enclosed volume being arranged to combine said flow of air with the liquid dispersed in said pathways between said bristles so • as to form a multiplicity of small, air-containing bubbles, said pathways being further arranged to direct said air- containing bubbles along said pathways in the direction of said teeth surfaces, and means for driving said air- containing bubbles to burst with impulsive force against the engaged teeth surfaces in a manner to remove plaque and other debris from said teeth surfaces.
6. The toothbrush of claim 5 wherein said multiplicity of bristles are arranged on said surface of said head in a multiplicity of rows.
7. The toothbrush of claim 5 wherein said conduit is arranged to receive and carry a combination of air and liquid, and said orifice is arranged to direct said combination into said enclosed volume so as to disperse the liquid in said pathways between said bristles.
8. A system for the removal of plaque and other unwanted debris from the teeth of a user comprising a toothbrush comprising a handle, a distal head, and a multiplicity of bristles each comprising a shaft having a base associated with a surface of said head, said shaft extending away from said surface and having a proximal end disposed in relation to proximal ends of other said shafts form mutual engagement with teeth surfaces of a user, said multiplicity of bristles defining a multiplicity of interconnected restricted flow pathways therebetween, said surface of said head defining an orifice surrounded by the bases of said bristles, means defining a conduit having a distal end terminating in said orifice, said bristles, in combination with said surface of said head and said tooth surfaces, forming an enclosed volume containing said orifice and said multiplicity of bristles, a source of low pressure air associated with the proximal end of said conduit for supplying a flow of low pressure air through said conduit and said orifice into said enclosed volume, said source comprising a low pressure source of air, and a tube connecting said source to said proximal end of said conduit, and a sealed chamber containing said liquid and connected to said tube, means for dispersing liquid in said multiplicity of interconnected restricted flow passageways between said bristles to form a moist environment within said closed volume, means for delivering said flow of air from said orifice to combine with the liquid dispersed in said pathways between said bristles in a manner to form a multiplicity of small, air-containing bubbles within said pathways, and means for directing said air-containing bubbles along said pathways and means for driving said air- containing bubbles to burst with impulsive force against the engaged teeth surfaces in a manner to remove plaque and other debris from said teeth surfaces.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15145188A | 1988-02-02 | 1988-02-02 | |
US07/352,712 US4903688A (en) | 1988-02-02 | 1989-05-11 | Tooth cleaning toothbrush and system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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WO1991011981A1 true WO1991011981A1 (en) | 1991-08-22 |
Family
ID=26848641
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1990/000770 WO1991011981A1 (en) | 1988-02-02 | 1990-02-09 | Teeth cleaning toothbrush and system |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US4903688A (en) |
WO (1) | WO1991011981A1 (en) |
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US9249789B2 (en) | 2010-10-08 | 2016-02-02 | Ravindra Kashyap | Pipe pump system |
US9743999B2 (en) | 2014-08-29 | 2017-08-29 | Piero A. Policicchio | Dental prophylaxis device and air appliance |
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US105135A (en) * | 1870-07-05 | William a | ||
US1097122A (en) * | 1912-10-22 | 1914-05-19 | Carl O Engstrom | Tooth-brush. |
US1573749A (en) * | 1921-02-11 | 1926-02-16 | William A Ribbeck | Dental appliance |
US2303667A (en) * | 1940-08-09 | 1942-12-01 | Alfred F Taborski | Toothbrush |
US2757668A (en) * | 1952-02-07 | 1956-08-07 | Meyer-Saladin Oskar Emanuel | Apparatus for the cleansing treatment of parts of the body |
US2813529A (en) * | 1954-03-22 | 1957-11-19 | Ikse Janis-Indrikis | Tooth cleansing devices |
US3593707A (en) * | 1968-09-25 | 1971-07-20 | George William Pifer | Jet tooth brush |
US3823710A (en) * | 1972-11-07 | 1974-07-16 | J Borden | Pulsed air toothbrush and method |
US3909867A (en) * | 1973-09-20 | 1975-10-07 | Gunnar Hogsell | Hydraulic pressure driven rotary toothbrush |
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US4303064A (en) * | 1979-04-06 | 1981-12-01 | Buffa Michael J | Oral hygiene device |
US4319595A (en) * | 1980-01-30 | 1982-03-16 | Rex Ulrich | Dental care unit |
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US4422450A (en) * | 1982-07-28 | 1983-12-27 | Panlmatic Company | Actinic ozone periodontal irrigating apparatus and method |
US4538631A (en) * | 1983-04-29 | 1985-09-03 | Prince Mary F | Oral hygiene instrument |
US4620528A (en) * | 1984-08-08 | 1986-11-04 | Valentim Arraval | Finger-operated dental care implement |
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US4806277A (en) * | 1986-05-19 | 1989-02-21 | Hitachi Ltd. | Decontaminating solid surfaces |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US4903688A (en) | 1990-02-27 |
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